Plush
/plʌʃ/noun
A thick, soft fabric with a long, raised nap, or something luxuriously soft and rich in texture.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Latin pila, meaning “hair” or “pile,” the same ancient root behind words for furry, piled-up surfaces and even the idea of something built up layer by layer.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
pila
“hair; pile; small ball”
Late Latin
Medieval Latin
pilus
“hair”
Old French
French
peluche
“a shaggy or plush fabric”
16th Century
English
pluche
“a soft, shaggy fabric”
Modern English
English
plush
“a soft, thick fabric or a luxurious soft texture”
Explore more surprising origins